CSU looks at bugs' impact

Roly-polies, ants may have role in world climate change

Dec. 21, 2008

Written by

HALLIE WOODS
HallieWoods@coloradoan.com

CSU scientists now say that tiny organisms in the soil, such as roly-polies and ants, can have an impact on world climate change.

Approximately 35 researchers at the university and several research sites across the world monitored the effect of small organisms on vegetation, finding that more soil animals lead to more vegetative decomposition.

"We haven't been able to say if they matter and what these animals do," said Diana Wall, a professor of biology at Colorado State University and the new School of Global and Environmental Sustainability. ...